By now I’m sure most have heard about the untimely death of Mr. Steve Irwin. The Crocodile Hunter from Australia that caught the attention of millions world-wide with his unique style and catchy ‘Crickey’. Some may call his death at the hands of a stingray inevitable, but they would be wrong. For all the film footage of Mr. Irwin around various deadly animals, little was shown about his massive knowledge of these animals and their behavior. Not unlike Mr. Jaques Cousteau before him, Mr. Irwin delved into habitats that few ever see and brought them to us expanding our knowledge and making the world more interesting.
I give my condolences to his family.
Another shame is the fact that affiliates of CBS are afraid to play the documentary 9/11 because of the language used by firefighters. The fact that regulators flipped out over the Janet Jackson incident [which was nothing compared to what can be seen in various movies, soap operas and other television shows everyday] and increased fines is the source of their concern. While I appreciate the greater regulation on public television, as late as it is, the fact that events affecting our world may not be shown is troubling. This same mindset would prevent documentaries that show the assassination of President Kennedy due to violence. Random violence and sex without reason or benefit is understandably in need of restriction. Yet to possibly prevent historical facts from being shared is quite another thought. Penalties are not there to deny what has happened, but to prevent abuse of the airwaves. If the question is what children would think, perhaps parents should step up and actually explain to their kids what they see. Or not let them view the program. That is their obligation, and I think it should be televisions to share events that shape our nation.
As for the New York police force, what were they thinking? Mos Def, a rapper (and not the worst actor considering) born Dante Terrell Smith, decided to have an impromptu concert outside of Radio City Music Hall. The rapper was singing a song that protests the handling of Hurricane Katrina and the police came by. Mos Def saw the police and began to pack up, but the police decided he needed to get a ticket. Now while this is hardly the kind of situation most rappers are known for, it is still annoying. How many performers have had sudden concerts or impromptu performances in New York City? And of those how many get any interference or interaction with the police?
Yes, Mr. Smith is a Black African American, but I don’t think it was a racially motivated act. I think that it was a protest song that annoyed the police. There was no civil unrest, nor complaints. And similar actions have not garnered similar actions. It disturbs me that the only reason for this was a backlash against a political statement. As a form of free speech it deserves the right to be heard, even if it is critical or offends some. Especially when similar events that are completely void of any meaningful theme, beyond generating income, are ignored. Some things are wrong and they should be mentioned.
This is what I think, what do you think?
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